Hardaker sorry after England axe

Thursday 7 November 2013 13:30 BST

Zak Hardaker has been fined by Leeds

Zak Hardaker has issued a public apology for the unspecified incident that prompted his withdrawal from England's World Cup squad.

England announced on Monday that the 22-year-old full-back or centre had pulled out of their squad due to "personal issues", with coach Steve McNamara subsequently refusing to comment on speculation that he had breached the team's alcohol ban for a second time.

On Wednesday, Hardaker's club Leeds revealed they have fined their player £2,500 and issued him with a written warning for breaking their code of conduct.

The Rhinos carried out their own investigation into the circumstances behind Hardaker's exit from the England camp in Loughborough through head coach Brian McDermott and chief executive Gary Hetherington.

In a statement Hetherington said: "Brian McDermott and myself have now had the opportunity to discuss the matter with the England management and with Zak himself and we now have a better understanding of the events leading up to Zak's departure from the England squad.

"As a result, the club have issued him with a written warning and imposed a fine of £2,500."

The tough stance taken by Leeds suggests Hardaker is facing an uncertain future at Headingley, amid speculation linking him with a move to Wigan, but Hetherington insists the matter is now closed.

He added: "We are satisfied the matter has now been dealt with and Zak will report for training on 25th November.

"We will continue to monitor Zak's future conduct and help him deal with his own issues; which are more to do with a lack of professionalism than anything else.

"Zak has apologised for the embarrassment caused to his family and Leeds Rhinos and he is desperately sorry for the situation he finds himself in."

Hardaker has not appeared in either of England's opening two World Cup matches.

He forced his way into contention with a man-of-the-match performance for England Knights in their friendly against Samoa on October 19 but was thought to be among a group of players who later that night went out drinking.

One of the players, Gareth Hock, was axed from McNamara's squad after sleeping in and missing the squad's recovery session the following morning, with the rest thought to have been given a final warning.

In a statement issued through the Rhinos, Hardaker said: "I have paid a heavy price for my own actions and will now miss out on my dream of helping England win the World Cup.

"I am sorry for any embarrassment I have caused and my focus now is on moving forward next season and putting these events behind me.

"I would like to wish (Leeds and England captain) Kevin (Sinfield) and the England team the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and I am looking forward to the start of pre-season with the Rhinos."